Forest Food and Medicine in Contemporary Appalachia

Abstract

Forest food and medicine have a long history in Appalachian culture, but the region's social landscape is shifting from in-migration of amenity seekers and out-migration of multigenerational residents in search of economic opportunities. As a result, much of what we know about harvest and use has likely changed. We conducted 16 interviews with people involved in harvesting forest food and medicine in a Southwest Virginia community. Our study focused on participants' motivations to work with forest food and medicine, species preferences (edible versus medicinal), and uses (home use versus market sales). Financial benefits, nature, and personal preferences were key motivators. We compared data between multigenerational residents and newcomers to the area. Multigenerational residents emphasized income through market sales of medicinal forest species, noting harvest of multiple product types (plants, bark, leaves, buds). They also mentioned edible species (mushrooms and nuts), but to a lesser degree. On the other hand, newcomers were more likely to balance their focus between medicinal and edible forest species as well as home use and market sales. When compared to multigenerational participants, they were more inclined toward a broad suite of edible species (mushrooms, nuts, fruit, plants); however for medicinal forest species they limited harvesting to herbaceous plants. Shared motivators offer a starting point for regional programs that address the needs of both multigenerational residents and newcomers. As the future unfolds, residents are collectively shaping the next chapter in Appalachia's forest food and medicine culture in a way that meets socioeconomic goals while maintaining the region's natural resources for future generations.